The 2009-2010 season was very interesting for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Many players were shipped out because they were not "Burke-type" players. This left Ron Wilson with a bunch of inexperienced players to fill voids left by veterans like Matt Stajan, Alexei Ponikarovski, Niklas Hagman, Jamal Mayers, Jason Blake and Lee Stempniak.
Youngsters such as Viktor Stalberg, Luca Caputi, Christian Hanson and Brayden Irwin were given a chance to prove that they belong in the NHL. For the most part, these players looked nervous and hesitant with the puck, likely due to a lack of confidence, and the pressure from playing in one of the most critical hockey markets on Earth.
Acquiring players through free agency this week should bring in some much needed experience to the Leafs roster, which will allow younger players more time to develop in the AHL. Many elite players have spent considerable time in the AHL ironing out their flaws.
Here are free agents who Brian Burke should target to bring character, grit and some scoring to the current roster.Begin Slideshow
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Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Drew West
Toronto Maple Leafs: Free Agents Will Allow Youngsters To Develop
June 29th, 2010 by Drew West Leave a reply »
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